World Languages

French I
1 credit
The principal goal of French I is to develop a solid foundation of basic French vocabulary, sentence structure, and verb forms. The students learn to talk and write about themselves, their likes and dislikes, their school day, and what they do on the weekends and during vacations. The basic grammar includes the present and near future verb tenses of several high-frequency irregular verbs, as well as the three groups of regular verbs. The students listen to authentic French speakers and practice their pronunciation in the language lab. The students learn about French culture in France and other Francophone countries. Each student presents an oral and written report about a Paris monument. In addition, students read a beginner-level novel.

French II*
1 credit
Students in French II are able to converse and write about themselves and their daily events and interests with more detail. They are able to manipulate the structures of simple sentences in order to replace nouns with pronouns. Students can narrate the present and tell about the past. They continue to go to the language lab in order to work on their pronunciation and listening comprehension. By the end of the year, student are able to understand simple conversations by native speakers about daily habits and common interests. They can hold a conversation on a familiar topic, asking and answering questions in complete sentences. Each student does a French cooking project for his or her family, and read an advanced-beginner-level novel.
*Prerequisite: French I

French III–Honors*
1 credit
This accelerated course is recommended for students strongly considering AP French studies. The principal goal of French III–Honors continues to be oral proficiency, with an emphasis on vocabulary development and grammar to enhance and refine oral and written communication. An extensive review of grammar and verb tenses from French I and II leads to a study of all the major verb tenses. As students learn more complex grammatical structures, they begin writing essays and summaries in French. The students watch and discuss two French films as well as read and discuss selections of French and Francophone literature. All students research and present a written and oral project on a Francophone country during the fourth quarter. The class is conducted primarily in French. This class is a prerequisite for French IV–Honors.
*Prerequisite: French II and permission of the department

French IV–Honors*
1 credit
The focus of this course is to further develop students’ proficiencies in interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational communication. Students review and practice grammar and verb tenses while reading various works of French and Francophone literature as well as civilization texts and current events articles from authentic sources. Listening comprehension is practiced by watching and discussing two French films as well as other videos and clips relevant to current events and cultural topics. This class is conducted in French, and the students are expected to speak only French in class. Students are also strongly encouraged to participate in our French exchange program in order to experience an immersion in French language and culture before enrolling in AP French V.
*Prerequisite: French III–Honors and permission of the department

AP French V*
1 credit
This college-level course is designed to promote proficiency in French and to enable students to explore culture in contemporary and historical contexts. The course focuses on communication. Students demonstrate their skills and abilities in the interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational modes of communication. In interpersonal communication, students engage in conversations, express ideas, and exchange opinions using both spoken and written French. In interpretive communication, they understand and interpret written and spoken French on a variety of topics. In presentational communication, they present information and ideas, using spoken and written French, to an audience. The course also encourages cultural awareness. Students develop an understanding and appreciation of various aspects of the cultures of the French-speaking world, including television and film, books, newspapers, music, laws, and institutions.
*Prerequisite: French IV–Honors and permission of the department

It is strongly encouraged that students participate in the French exchange program, which is offered every two years. In addition to textbooks, materials might include websites, podcasts, films, newspapers, magazines, and literature.

Total Immersion Experience
Students committed to the Honors track are strongly encouraged to have an immersion experience in a French-speaking country, or an equivalent in the United States, where they experience the culture, use the language, and improve their communicative skills. Students can take advantage of the immersion opportunities offered by the School or find an experience suitable to their interests and needs on their own.

German I
1 credit
This course serves as an introduction to the German language. In German I, students learn to read, write, speak, and listen to German through classroom and textbook work. Emphasis is placed on conversational German, where the question-and-answer model is heavily used. Language recordings and videos provide students with additional examples of authentic German in use. By course completion, students are able to describe in detail both orally and in writing themselves and their home (vital statistics, pets, family members, their bedroom), their home town/city, hobbies, household chores, their school-day routine, present and past occurrences, and summer travel plans.

German II*
1 credit
In this continuation to introductory German, students in German II strengthen what they have learned in the areas of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Emphasis continues to be placed on conversational German, and language recordings and videos provide students with additional examples of authentic German in use. In German II, students also complete a film unit. By course completion, students are able to describe in detail both orally and in writing their preferences regarding clothing, eating habits, and movies; their region and environmental awareness; health and illnesses; jobs and careers; and in-depth travel planning.
*Prerequisite: German I

German III–Honors*
1 credit
In this accelerated class, students further develop their fluency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Students in German III–Honors are expected to have a good level of conversational German, and classes are conducted primarily in German. Videos provide students with additional examples of authentic German in use. Students at this level read letters/emails and short articles, children’s stories, fairy tales, poetry, and short stories. By course completion, students can read and respond to letters and emails, write short compare-and-contrast essays, retell short stories and films using storyboards, respond to conversation prompts on a variety of topics in simulated telephone conversations, and give opinions on character motives in the stories they read.
*Prerequisite: German II and permission of the department

German IV–Honors*
1 credit
For motivated students, this very rigorous pre-AP course continues to develop students’ skills in the areas of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Students focus on communicating effectively by speaking and writing (using interpersonal and presentational modes), and classes are conducted in German. Videos continue to provide students with examples of authentic German in use, and students read newspaper articles, graphs and tables, and short stories.
*Prerequisite: German III–Honors and permission of the department

AP German V*
1 credit
This college-level course is designed to promote proficiency in German and to enable students to explore culture in contemporary and historical contexts. The course focuses on communication. Students demonstrate their skills and abilities in the interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational modes of communication. In interpersonal communication, students engage in conversations, express ideas, and exchange opinions using both spoken and written German. In interpretive communication, they understand and interpret written and spoken German on a variety of topics. In presentational communication, they present information and ideas, using spoken and written German, to an audience. The course also encourages cultural awareness. Students develop an understanding and appreciation of various aspects of the cultures of the German-speaking world, including television and film, books, newspapers, music, laws, and institutions. In addition to textbooks, materials might include websites, podcasts, films, newspapers, magazines, and literature.
*Prerequisite: German IV–Honors and permission of the department

Total Immersion Experience
Students committed to the Honors track are strongly encouraged to have a total immersion experience in a German-speaking country, or an equivalent in the United States, where they experience the culture, use the language, and improve their communicative skills. Students can take advantage of the immersion opportunities offered by the School or find an experience suitable to their interests and needs on their own.

Spanish I
1 credit
This introductory course provides students with a comfortable atmosphere in which to begin speaking Spanish. Through a communicative approach that develops comprehension and production, students acquire a vocabulary base with an emphasis on natural speech and structure. Reading and writing skills are also developed with the study of sentence structure, word placement, vocabulary use, verb conjugation, and other grammar topics. Students also receive an introduction to the cultures of Spain, the Caribbean, and Central and South America through a variety of authentic resources, readings, videos, and interactive digital media.

Spanish II*
1 credit
This course further develops students’ understanding of basic Spanish grammar and language. Students broaden their vocabulary and refine their communicative skills to increase proficiency. Students review basic grammatical structures from the indicative mood in the present and simple future tenses. Speaking and listening comprehension, as well as reading and writing, are reinforced on a daily basis using authentic materials from the Hispanic world. Students develop an understanding of customs and lifestyles of the Spanish-speaking countries.
*Prerequisite: Spanish I

Spanish II–Honors*
1 credit

This rigorous course is the beginning of the Spanish Honors track at The Pennington School. Students gain the skills necessary to communicate on a basic level, orally and in written form, about life’s activities and needs. At this level, the basic structures of the indicative and imperative moods are covered in depth. Reading skills are developed through short works of literature and authentic resources from periodicals. Students further develop their writing skills by learning how to create informal compositions with fluency and coherence. Communicative skills are developed through daily interaction and exposure to authentic audio, visual, and written materials representing different accents and regions from the Hispanic world. Classes are taught almost exclusively in Spanish.
*Prerequisite: Spanish I and permission of the department

Spanish III*
1 credit

This course continues the communicative approach to Spanish study and is offered to students who wish to increase their command of Spanish in the three major timeframes. Students gradually move from reliance on memorized words and phrases to consistent creation with the language and navigation of real-world situations. Previously learned vocabulary and grammar is explored in greater detail, and new tenses are introduced in both the indicative and imperative moods. Authentic resources are introduced to practice reading and listening for context. Students are expected to communicate in strings of sentences in their speech, and in paragraph form in their writing. This course is offered to students who do not plan to follow the Honors track to AP Spanish.
*Prerequisite: Spanish II

Spanish III–Honors*
1 credit

This course is recommended for students who wish to follow the Honors track toward AP Spanish. In this course, students learn to communicate in the past, present, and future timeframes within the three moods of the Spanish language: indicative, imperative, and subjunctive. They continue to develop their writing and speaking skills and their knowledge of culture. This is done through a variety of activities in which students have access to authentic audio and video materials. More advanced vocabulary topics at this level include the environment, health and wellness, and the world of work. In addition, students enhance their reading comprehension skills with the use of authentic novels. Both formal and informal writing is developed through short compositions and journals. The course is taught entirely in Spanish, and students are expected to communicate solely in Spanish, using in context the grammar and the vocabulary they have learned together.
*Prerequisite: Spanish II or Spanish II–Honors, and permission of the department

Spanish IV*
1 credit
In this course, emphasis is given to the natural communicative expression of real-life situations, and the more precise use of reading and writing skills acquired in previous courses. The major grammatical concepts are reviewed and used in context, especially with reading and writing skills. Students continue to study the indicative, imperative, and subjunctive moods with a focus on everyday communication and understanding of the culture. Students develop a better understanding of the language and the Hispanic world by learning idioms, regional expressions, and linguistic variations of everyday expressions. Students will read short stories and excerpts from literature to increase their reading skills, and write short compositions and essays to improve their writing skills. This class is taught exclusively in Spanish.
*Prerequisite: Spanish III

Spanish IV–Honors*
1 credit
This course focuses intensively on correct usage of the language. In addition to the focus on achievement in reading, writing, listening and speaking, particular emphasis is placed on proficiency in those four areas. Students will interpret authentic resources, explore literature, and convey meaning by speaking about personal, community, and global issues. Previously learned grammar is reviewed and emphasized as a tool for clear communication. In speech, students are expected to communicate in consistent strings of simple and complex sentences, moving toward speaking with more confidence and competence by the end of the year. Writing assignments become more formalized and include personal reflections, email replies, and persuasive essays. All classes are taught exclusively in Spanish. As this course is the final prerequisite for AP Spanish, students will also be gradually introduced to different elements of the AP exam throughout the year.
*Prerequisite: Spanish III–Honors and permission of the department

Spanish V*
1 credit
The aim of this course is to improve conversational skills and overall proficiency in Spanish. This class will foster fluency and accuracy, and will help students to expand their vocabulary using an extensive variety of authentic resources such as newspapers, magazines, podcasts, videos, cinema, and literary texts. Students will have the opportunity to discuss real-life situations related to cultural differences, politics, entertainment, and many other topics of interest. This course is conducted completely in Spanish.
*Prerequisite: Spanish IV

AP Spanish Language*
1 credit
This college-level course is designed to promote proficiency in Spanish and to enable students to explore culture in contemporary and historical contexts. The core of this course is cultural awareness and communication. Students will demonstrate their confidence and competence in the interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational modes of communication. In interpersonal communication, students engage in conversations, express ideas, and exchange opinions using both spoken and written Spanish. In interpretive communication, they understand and interpret written and spoken Spanish on a variety of topics including literature. In presentational communication, they present information and ideas to an audience using spoken and written Spanish. Students will develop a deep understanding and appreciation of various aspects of the culture of the Spanish-speaking world, including television and film, books, newspapers, music, laws, and institutions. This course is conducted completely in Spanish.
*Prerequisite: Spanish IV–Honors and permission of the department

AP Spanish Literature*
1 credit
This college-level course is designed to introduce students to the study of Peninsular Spanish, Latin American, and U.S. Hispanic literature. The course aims to develop students’ critical reading and analytical writing skills in Spanish to perform successfully on the Advanced Placement exam in Spanish Literature, as well as develop students’ ability to make interdisciplinary connections and explore linguistic and cultural comparisons. This class will be conducted entirely in Spanish and will cover the entire official AP Spanish Literature and Culture reading list. Literary texts are grouped by themes and presented in chronological order within each theme. Students are expected to discuss literary texts and their different historical, sociocultural and geopolitical contexts in a variety of interactive oral and written formats in Spanish. Additionally, students will analyze themes and features of artistic representations, audiovisual materials, and audio sources in Spanish related to course content.
*Prerequisite: AP Spanish Language or permission of the department

Total Immersion Experience
Students committed to the Honors track are strongly encouraged to have an immersion experience in a Spanish-speaking country, or an equivalent in the United States, where they experience the culture, use the language, and improve their communicative skills. Students can take advantage of the immersion opportunities offered by the School or find an experience suitable to their interests and needs on their own.

Chinese I
Grades 9-12
1 credit
Students in Chinese I start their language journey from understanding the basics about the Chinese-speaking world and Chinese language, exploring the intimidating mystery of Chinese characters, and learning the Pinyin system for pronunciation. Students learn to talk about themselves, family, and friends across a variety of topics related to everyday life. Reading, writing, and typing skills are developed through daily study and practice of vocabulary and grammatical structures. The emphases are on recognizing and applying frequently used Chinese characters in the construction of different questions and statements. In addition to watching and listening with textbook materials and having in-class dialogue practices, students will have authentic language use through presentations and interview projects. Opportunities to converse with Chinese speakers are provided and encouraged to help students develop listening and speaking skills and build an understanding of Chinese culture.

Chinese II*
Grades 9-12
1 credit
With the foundation of Chinese I, students in Chinese II continue to build on their language proficiency with increasing flexibility. With textbook materials on topics about school routines and other activities from shopping to traveling, students keep reinforcing and expanding their vocabulary and knowledge of grammar through daily practice and use. The proficiency to recognize, distinguish, and write Chinese characters is expected on a daily basis in reading and writing, while Pinyin is used for pronunciation and typing. In addition to speaking activities and projects, students’ listening comprehension and pronunciation are further emphasized through an increasing use of Chinese in the classroom. Opportunities to converse with Chinese speakers are provided and encouraged for students to experiment using the language authentically, and broaden understanding and experience of Chinese culture.
*Prerequisite: Chinese I or permission of the department

Latin I
1 credit
The introductory level of Latin provides a sound foundation in the forms, grammar, and vocabulary of the Latin language in order to prepare students to eventually read the great literary works of ancient Roman authors. The verb and noun systems are studied in detail, and students learn essential translation skills. Students explore ancient Roman history and culture through research projects, as well as during preparation for the National Latin Exam. The course stresses Latin’s influence on the English language. With an emphasis on English derivatives from Latin roots and grammar, the course reinforces the understanding of the mechanics of both languages.

Latin II*
1 credit
After a thorough review of grammatical concepts and vocabulary introduced in Latin I, students transition to studying increasingly difficult grammatical concepts. Memorization of vocabulary, derivatives, and verb synopses are emphasized as students work to expand their grammatical foundations. Students now use their newfound knowledge to translate more difficult Latin sentences, and even delve into reading authentic Latin in translating the myths of Perseus and Jason and the Argonauts from Fabulae Faciles, as well as some excerpts from Julius Caesar’s De Bello Gallico.
*Prerequisite: Latin I

Latin III–Honors*
1 credit
In this course, students progress into reading authentic Latin. They develop a solid knowledge of subordinate sentence structures, the structure of complex Latin sentences, and the skills for dealing with variable Latin word order, all of which prepare them for translating authentic and complex texts. The students continue reading Fabulae Faciles and translating the Labors of Hercules and excerpts from Julius Caesar’s De Bello Gallico. Students also learn Roman and ancient Mediterranean geography, as well as Roman social and political customs through their reading.
*Prerequisite: Latin II and permission of the department

Latin IV–Honors*
1 credit
This course is designed for the students who have completed Latin III–Honors or, in unique cases, AP Latin. It is equivalent to the course formerly offered as AP Latin Literature. Students read authentic Latin texts by authors such as Cicero, Catullus, Horace, Ovid, and Caesar, analyzing the texts critically and closely. Students gain experience with the challenges of reading literature in a foreign language and also build skills specifically for the AP exam, such as literal translation, essay writing, and reading comprehension. This course offers students an unparalleled opportunity to explore the origins of western culture and humanism through direct engagement with great works of the past. This Latin course prepares students to enter AP Latin and also allows students to continue their study of Latin at a collegiate level.
*Prerequisite: Latin III–Honors and permission of the department

AP Latin*
1 credit
This college-level course focuses on selections from Julius Caesar’s De Bello Gallico and Vergil’s Aeneid. Students read portions of these works in preparation for the Advanced Placement exam. Translation and analytical skills are practiced and perfected throughout the year. This demanding course teaches students not only to appreciate two great works of literature but also to understand these works as products of their authors as well as keen reflections from a cultural and historical perspective of the times in which they were written.
*Prerequisite: Latin IV–Honors and permission of the department